Studying Biology is not just for those who aspire to be doctors, it is a subject that has the ability to appeal to the masses. Yet, despite offering fascinating and, at times, mind-blowing content to learn and explore, many do not realise just how many different career pathsBiology can open up for them.

Referred to as the ‘science of life’, Biology is a science that explores all living things, including humans, animals and plants. As such, a biologist does not necessarily have to specialise in the human body and its many ailments.

However, if that is what interests you, then this course studied atA Level alongside another subject such as Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry could enable you to apply for your medical degree.

But you must get your GCSE exams out of the way first, and to enrol on a science course at college as part of your A Level studies (or International Baccalaureate, if that is the course you decide to embark on), then you must not only pass your Science GCSE, you must excel in the field.

As mentioned, Biology does not necessarily mean a study of the human body, it can also relate to all other living organisms on our planet. Therefore, if you are particularly keen on nature, gardening and learning how things grow in and above ground, then Biology can help to answer many of your questions and theories.

Biology teaches you about living organisms, among other fascinating things. Photo credit: Five Acre Geographic via VisualHunt.com

Not only can it educate you on the environment, it might even have the power to make you think differently about your surroundings and appreciate how fascinating life is.

Furthermore, Biology focuses on animal species, teaching pupils how they evolved, dividing them into categories, detailing how the make-up of their cells distinguishes them as these types of organisms and also explains how they feed.

10 Great Reasons To Take Biology

For those who like to get involved in lessons, they can benefit from some hands-on learning that really enables them to get stuck in. From experiments to field trips, a Biology students will experience it all first hand!

Biology lessons are usually very hands on with opportunities to go on field trips. Photo credit: BLMOregon via Visual hunt

2. You can learn about the latest research methods

As well as being in the midst of practical learning, Biology students can benefit from finding out about the most innovative of research methods being used across scientific companies worldwide. This is particularly interesting for those who wish to get into the field of research themselves.

3. You can use its principles to answer big questions

As previously touched upon, Biology, like the other Live Sciences, draws on facts and figures to teach learners specific and proven information. This intricate level of detail can cause young scientists to begin to think about their place in the world, and start to question a number of theories and concepts. Biology can help to answer those huge, mind-blowing questions too like how a baby develops in the womb as well as how our DNA works.

4. You can benefit from a clear career path

Naturally, Biology leads the way to a career in Medicine (along with other Science-based subjects) as well as a job as a scientist. However, there are various branches of Biology which can open up many alternative professional doors, including Ecology, Marine Biology, Zoology and many more.

5. You can discover the basic living concepts

We all know how to stay alive, because it is instinctive to us. However, Biology explains in detail the basic events that keep all living organisms alive and thriving on our planet.

6. You can learn about the human body and how treat it

In addition to learning about the development of a foetus inside the womb, biologists can find out about other factors which change the cells in our bodies, like disease or illness, and how these can be treated.

7. You can explore the interaction of humans and the rest of the world

With this Science, you can discover the biological interactions of the natural world; no living organism can survive without interaction with the environment and other organisms.

8. You can better understand how to take care of the environment

By learning about how vegetation and other plant life thrive, you can learn how to take care of the environment around you.

9. You will receive accreditation

Those who study Biology to a high level, for instance at degree-level, will receive accreditation for their qualifications and expertise. Science graduates are awarded with a B.Sc., or Bachelor of Science, which can then lead to a M.Sc., or Master of Science for post-graduates.

10. It is important to society

Much of what we know about our race, animals and plants has come from scientific research. As such, scientists are very important to our society. Biological research needs fresh, talented biologists to continue to drive this research forward and help in the development of cures for terminal illnesses, as an example.

How To Find A Biology Tutor

Whether or not you struggle to keep up with the complex principles contained within Biology topics, a tutor can help you to significantly improve your understanding of the concepts and thus get you a much higher grade than you otherwise would have achieved.

That said, where do you find a tutor who is not only qualified and knowledgeable, but who is familiar with your course structure and the examinations that you are ultimately working towards?

First of all, you should know that your neighbour, with his grade B GCSE may be able to help you out with simple tasks like homework but only a professional tutor can really move your learning along.

As such, you should be looking for somebody who has a proven record as a tutor in this subject. In many cases, tutors are past or existing teachers with knowledge of the subject as well as the syllabus being taught, which is why your school or college may be a good place to start your search.

Consult your Science teacher to see if they know of any biology private tutors who could help you during your course, or ask around among your peers and their parents, as a recommendation is always a great place to begin.

Asking somebody you know to be your tutor is not necessarily a bad thing, however you should be certain they are suitably qualified. Not only can an uninspiring or under-qualified individual cost you your good grade, they could wind up costing you lots of money that would be better spent elsewhere!

If you have no recommendations and decide to turn to the Internet in search for your Biology tutor, then make sure that you only browse genuine websites of candidates with the necessary skills. Our site, Superprof, features a long list of educated tutors covering a wide range of subjects, including of course Biology and its different subcategories (Marine Biology, Zoology, Ecology, are just some examples).

How to Choose The Right Biology Teacher

As suggested above, one of the main things to remember is that you should always make sure you know your tutor’s educational background. For instance, if you know or find a tutor who specialises in Chemistry, they most probably don’t have the precise skills and knowledge required to successfully tutor you to a successful grade in Biology.

References are a very good way of differentiating the services available. Most experienced tutors will have taught enough pupils to be able to provide some feedback on their tutoring approach.

If you found your tutor by word of mouth, be sure to ask questions to the person who referred them and find out if they have a website or profile you can look at online. If, however, you have come across what appears to be the perfect tutor online then read their reviews and don’t be afraid to contact them to ask them some questions before you enter any agreements.

It is also a good idea to interview your chosen candidate to make sure that they are the fit for you and your studies.

Remember that, to keep the momentum going, you should ideally be having at least a two-hour session once a week (or perhaps just an hour if you under 14 and not studying towards a recognised, mainstream qualification) so if your preferred tutor can only fit in one or two short classes in a month, then consider looking for someone who can accommodate your needs. With tutoring being a relatively short-term process, you should be seeking maximum impact to ensure long-term gain.

Finally, it is really important to make sure you have a rapport with your tutor, as nothing can be worse than dreading your next appointment. This is why a personal recommendation or meeting with the tutor in person can have a positive impact on your attitude towards tuition.

How Much Do Biology Tutors Cost?

Despite what you might think, tuition does not have to cost an arm and a leg. This is particularly good news if your parents or guardians are unable to support you financially or if you make the decision to pay for additional classes yourself.

Privately hired tutors can cost in the region of £20 per hour, however anything less than this and you should hear alarm bells ringing.

If you decide to consult an agency that specialises in hiring tutors, you can expect to pay anything upward from £40, with some very qualified members costing as much as £60 an hour.